1. Civil Society Organizations Advocacy Framework - A Tool For Engaging With the APSA By Dr Sabelo Gumedze, Independent Consultant Email: sgumedze@gmail.comsgumedze@gmail.com

2. Scope Introduction Normative Frameworks Existing AU Institutions The Role of CSOs and the Purpose, Goal and Objective of the Advocacy Framework Conclusion and Recommendations

3. Introduction Terms of Reference Structure of the Tool Methodology Scope of Tool

4. Normative Frameworks Constitutive Act of the African Union The African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Right The African Children’s Charter

5. Existing AU Institutions The African Union The Peace and Security Council The African Commission of Human and Peoples Rights The Pan-African Parliament The Sub-Regional Organizations The Economic, Social and Cultural Council The African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child

6. The Role of CSOs and the Purpose, Goal and Objective of the Advocacy Framework Hypothesis: – CSOs play a pivotal role in so far as the promotion and protection of child rights and welfare in Africa is concerned. Purpose: – strengthen CSOs better use of the APSA – engage with the PSC to promote and protect child rights and welfare in Africa. Goal: – Well-informed and strategic CSOs to successfully engage with the APSA in general and the PSC in particular in ensuring the promotion of children’s rights and welfare in Africa.

7. Objectives Objective 1: – Building and strengthening the capacity of CSOs and the PSC in promoting children rights and welfare in Africa

9. Objectives Objective 2: – Implement the Livingstone Formula for interaction between the PSC and CSOs

13. Conclusion and Recommendations With the involvement of CSOs, therefore, building a conflict- free Africa is possible The Advocacy Framework must be treated as a living document that is not cast in stone Advocacy Framework requires constant revisions depending on the dynamism at play within a given time. Without the involvement of CSOs, the work of the PSC in promoting peace, security and stability in Africa will remain a pipe dream